Town of Wales, NY Use and Maintenance of Sidewalks

The owner and occupant of premises abutting on any street where a sidewalk has been laid is required:

To keep the sidewalk in front of such premises free and clear from snow, ice, dirt and other obstructions. Such owner and occupant shall be liable for any injury or damage by reason of omissions, failures or negligence to make, maintain or repair such sidewalk.

(2)

To maintain the sidewalk in accordance with regulations regarding the manner of construction, reconstruction and repair of sidewalks, the material to be used and the grades and width thereof in accordance with specifications adopted by the Town from time to time. The Town Board may adopt orders from time to time, directing the owners of the respective lots and parcels of land abutting on any street within the Town, along which it is desired that sidewalks be built, relaid or repaired, to construct the same to conform with this article, and specify the time within which the same shall be done as provided by § 200-a of the Town Law.

Any construction, reconstruction or repair by the owner or occupant which does not comply with such regulations is prohibited.

The requirement to keep the sidewalk in front of such premises free and clear from snow, ice, dirt and other obstructions is required without notice from the Town within 24 hours of the existence of such obstruction.

Upon default thereof, the Town, at its discretion, may remove such snow, ice, dirt and other obstructions thereof or reconstruct and repair said sidewalk, at the expense of the owners of such premises, and that charge shall become a lien upon the premises benefitted thereby until paid, which payment shall be due and payable to the Town within 10 days from the issuance of an invoice setting forth the costs of such removal or repairs.

The provisions of this article shall be enforced by the Town Code Enforcement Officer.

A violation of this article is an offense punishable by a fine not exceeding $250 or imprisonment for a term not to exceed 15 days or both.

Each day's violation shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as such.

The imposition of any penalty for violations of this article shall not excuse the violation, permit it to continue or be waived if the Town removes such snow, ice, dirt or other obstructions, or is required to construct, reconstruct or repair said sidewalks.